Should I trim the brown tips off?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Does this plant need misting?

Misting does not provide enough humidity to help much. Keeping the soil consistently damp is far more effective for this species.

Greater bird's-foot-trefoil: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
Check the watering schedule for gaps.
Look for nearby heat sources.

Likely causes

Inconsistent watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf feels dry. The soil surface feels dusty or pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water your plant every 2 to 5 days to keep the soil consistently damp. Never let the top inch of soil dry out completely.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant, but dry air can cause the delicate tips to brown. This usually happens when the plant is kept near a heater or in a very dry room.
What to do: Move the plant away from heat vents or drafts. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase the humidity around the leaves.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your greater bird's-foot-trefoil

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Brown tips are a warning sign that the plant is stressed by its environment. It is normal to see a few old leaves brown and die as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a strict watering schedule and keep the soil damp at all times to prevent the tips from drying out.

Greater bird's-foot-trefoil: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your greater bird's-foot-trefoil and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts off with clean scissors for a tidier look. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Does this plant need misting?: Misting does not provide enough humidity to help much. Keeping the soil consistently damp is far more effective for this species.

Why are my Greater bird's-foot-trefoil tips turning brown?